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Report: Guillen could face suspension

Report: Guillen could face suspension

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By Dick Kaegel
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MLB.com |

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Outfielder Jose Guillen, with whom the Royals have agreed on a three-year, $36 million contract pending a physical, could be hit with a suspension for his alleged involvement in the purchase of steroids and human growth hormone, ESPN.com reported Wednesday.

According to the report, the Major League Baseball Players Association is negotiating with MLB officials on a possible 10- to 15-day suspension for Guillen, who was linked to the purchase of more than $19,000 worth of performance-enhancing drugs from 2003 to 2005 by the San Francisco Chronicle.

But Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball's executive vice president for labor relations, says there will be no negotiation and that any discipline metted out will be determined by Commissioner Bud Selig.

"I interviewed Mr. Guillen. I've had an ongoing dialogue with the Major League Baseball Players Association regarding the relevant facts and circumstances," Manfred said. "We do not, however, negotiate discipline. The Commissioner will determine what discipline, if any, is appropriate when I conclude my investigation."

The Royals went ahead with their pursuit of Guillen, a power-hitting outfielder, despite reports linking him to the investigation.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore was asked Tuesday, before the ESPN.com story emerged, about a possible suspension for Guillen.

Moore said he couldn't comment directly on the matter but added: "All of our research surrounding this particular player has allowed us, obviously, to feel comfortable in offering him a multi-year deal."

Guillen was quoted by ESPNdeportes.com on Tuesday as saying: "We told the Commissioner's Office my version of this whole affair, which in some ways has been handled with some errors in the media."

According to the Chronicle report, Guillen made the purchases from a Florida clinic between May 2002-June 2005. MLB banned human growth hormone in January 2005.

Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.